Kill Alex Cross was "Patterson at the top of his game" (Washington Post). Alex Cross, Run is even better. DON'T LOOK, ALEX CROSS Top plastic surgeon Elijah Creem is renowned for his skills in the operating room, and for his wild, no-expense-spared "industry parties," bringing in underage exotic dancers and models for nights of drugs, champagne, and uninhibited sex. That isKill Alex Cross was "Patterson at the top of his game" (Washington Post). Alex Cross, Run is even better. DON'T LOOK, ALEX CROSS Top plastic surgeon Elijah Creem is renowned for his skills in the operating room, and for his wild, no-expense-spared "industry parties," bringing in underage exotic dancers and models for nights of drugs, champagne, and uninhibited sex. That is, until Detective Alex Cross busts one of Creem's lavish soirees and ruins his fun. Now Creem is willing to do anything to avoid going to jail. DON'T THINK, ALEX CROSS But Alex doesn't have time to dwell on that case. A beautiful woman has been found murdered in her car, a lock of her hair viciously ripped off. Then a second woman is found hanging from a sixth-floor window with a brutal scar slashed across her stomach. When a third mutilated body is discovered, rumors of three serial killers on the loose send Washington D.C. into an all-out frenzy. JUST RUN Alex is under so much pressure to solve these three grim cases that he hasn't noticed that someone else investigating him-someone so obsessed and so twisted that they'll do anything-ANYTHING- to get the vengeance they require. Alex Cross, Run is James Patterson's most unrelenting story yet-a white-hot, sensational thrill ride with the most extreme and gripping characters Patterson has ever brought to life....more

ebook, 416 pages

Published
February 18th 2013
by Little, Brown and Company
(first published October 29th 2012)

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LisaI finished listening to the audiobook on my android yesterday. I really enjoyed both the book and the readers. Made my drive time, and my daily walks…moreI finished listening to the audiobook on my android yesterday. I really enjoyed both the book and the readers. Made my drive time, and my daily walks and chores (yes even grocery shopping) much more enjoyable.(less)

Community Reviews

I went back and forth between 2 and 3 stars on this one. There were three cases going on at the same time....a bit overkill - no pun intended. I really found only one case even remotely interesting and that was the killer who was specifically targeting Alex Cross. There was a shocking conclusion to this particular case (not to reveal anything but I am not totally convinced this person is really gone - especially making a big deal of no dental records for ID.) Although we knew why Ron targeted AlI went back and forth between 2 and 3 stars on this one. There were three cases going on at the same time....a bit overkill - no pun intended. I really found only one case even remotely interesting and that was the killer who was specifically targeting Alex Cross. There was a shocking conclusion to this particular case (not to reveal anything but I am not totally convinced this person is really gone - especially making a big deal of no dental records for ID.) Although we knew why Ron targeted Alex Cross, we never found out the WHY this person killed the other women. The book didn't fully flesh out his motives and background because it was too focused on simulaneously telling about the other two murderers. I found the Dr. Creem and his sidekick Josh too disturbing - sexual gratification and gore for no reason. No real story with these guys - just two disturbed individuals and I had to be the unfortunate reader of their actions. I am kind of surprised that James Patterson didn't have a co-writer for this book - someone else I could blame for the poor writing and plot development. And, I will add....his books are getting more expensive - not getting the value for the dollar either....more

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They did say why he killed the other women, he wanted his children. He fathered both of those girls and killed the moms to have his family. I agree IThey did say why he killed the other women, he wanted his children. He fathered both of those girls and killed the moms to have his family. I agree I am not convinced the other is dead either as it was just too left up in the air with no dna or dental records....more
Mar 02, 2013 11:52AM

BonnieI agree. I was so disappointed with this book in the series. I almost didn't finish it and that is unlike me.
Mar 20, 2013 06:18AM

Once again Detective Alex Cross was under pressure; the murders of beautiful young blonde girls, plus handsome young men had Alex and his good friend and colleague Detective John Sampson scrambling from one crime scene to the other. It seemed there was more than one killer out there – but were they serial killers?

Suddenly Alex found himself under fire from a most unexpected source – and he had no idea why. Plus there was trouble on the home front; the family’s foster child Ava who they loved deOnce again Detective Alex Cross was under pressure; the murders of beautiful young blonde girls, plus handsome young men had Alex and his good friend and colleague Detective John Sampson scrambling from one crime scene to the other. It seemed there was more than one killer out there – but were they serial killers?

Suddenly Alex found himself under fire from a most unexpected source – and he had no idea why. Plus there was trouble on the home front; the family’s foster child Ava who they loved dearly and were close to adopting – what was wrong with her? Would the family survive this crisis? Or would it be torn apart?

With Alex overseeing several investigations at once, the pressure was mounting. The clock was ticking as more bodies were found. Everything seemed to be going wrong – the investigative team just couldn’t get ahead…

Another gripping Alex Cross thriller which I thoroughly enjoyed. The twists and turns were there from beginning to end; an engrossing and chilling read. Highly recommended.

You know when you have read a series and there are quite a few books and you start to think that the author must be coming near the end of the series as they are beginning to feel tired ? I have to say that James Patterson's Alex Cross series does not fall into that category as each one still keeps the readers on their toes. I do have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed Alex Cross Run as the last couple of books in his Alex Cross series have been a tad blah and a bit confusing with the whole multipYou know when you have read a series and there are quite a few books and you start to think that the author must be coming near the end of the series as they are beginning to feel tired ? I have to say that James Patterson's Alex Cross series does not fall into that category as each one still keeps the readers on their toes. I do have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed Alex Cross Run as the last couple of books in his Alex Cross series have been a tad blah and a bit confusing with the whole multiple killings scenarios and half a dozen killers at the same time. Alex Cross Run was one of the best ones of the Alex Cross series I have read in a while and felt like his earlier works despite containing more than one murder plot. In this novel we see Alex Cross on the crime scenes of a hanged woman - was it suicide or homicide ? A number of dead blonde females and guys with their hair shaved and stabbed and a missing baby . Are these all connected or is there an odd one out ? . It seems a common thread in the last few Alex Cross books is that someone wants him dead and will try their best to ruin Alex Cross , unlike the previous novels - this Killer will target Alex Cross and set out to hit him where it hurts and we read as someone in the Cross family is murdered ? This part of the book is in the last few chapters and it made me tear up as I was like Noooooooooooooooooooo :(.For readers, Alex Cross Run was a fantastic book in his series and I can say if he continues to bring back some of his old writing styles and flavour then it seems that we can expect more Alex Cross novels to come :)...more

Review of Alex Cross, Run by James PattersonA new Alex Cross thriller is always a long-awaited treat, and this one was no exception. I believe that the Alex Cross series are the only books Patterson continues to write without a co-author, and they remain my favorites. That said, his latest several have not thrilled me as much as his earlier works, Along Came a Spider, Kiss the Girls, etc. I felt that he might be spreading himself too thin and thereby losing some of his edge. Alex Cross, Run, wasReview of Alex Cross, Run by James PattersonA new Alex Cross thriller is always a long-awaited treat, and this one was no exception. I believe that the Alex Cross series are the only books Patterson continues to write without a co-author, and they remain my favorites. That said, his latest several have not thrilled me as much as his earlier works, Along Came a Spider, Kiss the Girls, etc. I felt that he might be spreading himself too thin and thereby losing some of his edge. Alex Cross, Run, was much more pleasing than the two or three before it, however it still lacked some of what made his first books so good.

There are three storylines running simultaneously in Alex Cross, Run, which might have been confusing, but was not. The first involves two related killers: Dr. Creem and his friend Josh Bergman. Creem was a renowned plastic surgeon who was known for his wild parties and lavish lifestyle that eventually cost him his career and his family. Bergman was the owner of a modeling agency and suspected in dealing in the sale of young girls for nefarious purposes. The second storyline opens with a young girl who had recently given birth found dead and the search for her killer and her missing baby. And the third is more personal for Alex Cross, involving his troubled foster-daughter, the fourteen year-old Ava who we first met in Kill Alex Cross (2011). Additionally, there is an independent journalist who seems to have a grudge to bear against Alex and the Metro Police Department and records all of what he sees as incompetence in his widely-read blog for all to see. Some of these situations tie together, but you’ll have to read the book and figure all that out for yourself, as I don’t do spoilers.

Alex Cross, Run kept my on the edge of my seat and awake until the wee hours, so by that criteria I must say I enjoyed it immensely. I stop short of a 4 or 5 star rating, as I reserve those for books that have a higher level of literary, social or historical value, however if you’re looking for a fun, suspenseful read, then certainly pick up this book. ...more

NEWSFLASH: Patterson goes back to the aspects that made this series one of my all-time favorites!

Has has finally done it and given his fans the quality they were expecting. This book has all the elements we have come to love from the early and middle books in this series:

*Ruthless, clever and twisted killers, that you quickly come to hate*Breakneck pace not only in terms of action, but also in story-line*A nice dose of family p"But Cross was special. Alex was the one that Guidice wanted to kill"

NEWSFLASH: Patterson goes back to the aspects that made this series one of my all-time favorites!

Has has finally done it and given his fans the quality they were expecting. This book has all the elements we have come to love from the early and middle books in this series:

*Ruthless, clever and twisted killers, that you quickly come to hate*Breakneck pace not only in terms of action, but also in story-line*A nice dose of family plot to round up the book nicely and give the characters depth*Surprises you truly do not see coming

It all begins when Cross and Sampson lead a raid to bring down two powerful men and end up giving them a reason to consider going on a rampage. But having two killers confusing the police is not enough, add another killer, Guidice, whose goal is to make Alex suffer and then kill him. This actually provides us with the thrills the book "Kill Alex Cross" promised but never delivered on. The combination of cases provides us with non-stop evolution to the action and the investigations that go on. The bad guys, especially Guidice are so infuriating that you pretty much feel like grabbing him through the pages of the book and ripping his heart out.

Luckily, Nana and Bree are back to behaving in a way that is reasonable when considering the characterization of them before "Merry Christmas, Alex Cross". I am not sure what Patterson was thinking in that last book, but he was giving totally unrealistic characters. Anyway, that has been successfully corrected. Also, we get to read a lot more about Ava, the teenagers that the Cross family has been fostering and who they want to adopt. On top of this, we get Sampson back into the thick of things, after he was relegated to minor roles in the last few books.

Finally, be ready to be surprised. I like authors that sometimes throw a punch to the reader without fearing that they will be ripped apart for doing that, and in this book Patterson does not pull the punches. I am truly glad I stuck with this series, because this is one truly rewarding read!

James Patterson is at is best when he writes the Alex Cross series, is it because he writes these himself?I wish Patterson would concentrate on this quality rather than the Production line quantity he insists on carrying out.This was back to the quality of the early novels 'Kiss the girls' etc.

AnthonyI have read many of the Patterson books but often feel that the co-authors must do most of the writing. The early Cross books were much different thanI have read many of the Patterson books but often feel that the co-authors must do most of the writing. The early Cross books were much different than the recent ones. The writing now feels much more forced and predictable....more
May 10, 2013 07:54AM

James Patterson cannot go wrong when he pens his Alex Cross novels (perhaps proof that it is the co-authoring that makes some of the work attributed to him sub-standard). In this, the 20th installment of the Alex Cross series, the book takes our main character and stretches him out to deal with three main issues: a set of murderers on the loose, a reporter with an axe to grind, and some major issues at home that threaten to tear the family apart. Cross must juggle all these issues with his usualJames Patterson cannot go wrong when he pens his Alex Cross novels (perhaps proof that it is the co-authoring that makes some of the work attributed to him sub-standard). In this, the 20th installment of the Alex Cross series, the book takes our main character and stretches him out to deal with three main issues: a set of murderers on the loose, a reporter with an axe to grind, and some major issues at home that threaten to tear the family apart. Cross must juggle all these issues with his usual aplomb, and keep the citizens of Washington safe. With his typical class, Cross tackles everything head on and leaves no rock unturned as he fights for his family and his own safety. Patterson has surely saved the best for this installment, which pits Cross into some of his most trying issues to date. A great ending brings the reader to the edge of their seat, left doubtful that the words on the page could be anything but deceitful.

The series, in general, does a good job with presenting the chronological progression of Cross and his family. There are sure to be some inconsistencies and some books are written to take place as follow-ups to their predecessors, although they are written a year later. We have not gone on a 20 year journey with Alex Cross, though some mention of past histories do help the reader fill in gaps not discussed in full-on books. The series does regularly deal with one-off ‘bad guys’, evil-doers who pop up and are caught in the same 100 chapters or so. I have, however, enjoyed Patterson’s use of recurring characters to force the avid Alex Cross reader to remember the threads of past storylines to piece the larger story together for all involved.

I have a love/hate relationship with James Patterson and his books. While he is surely one of the great writers of quick crime fiction (I take creative liberty to make my own sub-genre) these days, his long list of new publications are not always as stellar as the moniker of ‘New York Times bestseller’ would lead one to believe. Those who have read some of my numerous Patterson reviews will know that I have penned the ‘Patterson syndrome’, whereby an author will succeed in selling a vast quantity of their books simply on name alone. Patterson’s Cross, WMC, and Bennett series are the only ones whose regularity is also met with greatness. While some of his earlier one-offs are decent reads, others are best used to prop open a door in a drafty house. That said, Cross is his go-to series and is usually fairly well written. The reader need not worry about sub-par writing or silly storylines. I do wonder how long he will be able to keep the story going, as we are reaching the limits of what I suspect the character can do.

Kudos, Mr. Patterson, for this great piece of work. You’ve done well with your original series and I hope it remains a important staple in you writing career....more

The last several Patterson books I've read,I've told myself it's the last one. This one had at least two or three mistakes where the place, character, or syntax was obviously wrong. It's very obvious that they are being turned out like any other product off the assembly line. Unfortunately I am thorougly hooked on the characters of Alex Cross and Michael Bennett. Great literature NO WAY, good fiction, maybe.

I read it in 2 days. This one of the better Alex Cross books and the best in recent years. It is very fast paced with lots of action as 3 serial killers are tracked down by Cross. You can't skim this book without missing the stories.

I keep saying I am going to give up on the Alex Cross series and I am always drawn back to it. The reason why is because when Patterson writes books like this one, I can't wait for the next one to come out.

This book has a lot going on. There are all different kinds of killings going on and Alex Cross is right there in the middle of it all. He is going in different directions and has been considering adopting Ava into his family. Ava has not adjust well after being with Alex and Bree and Nana MomI keep saying I am going to give up on the Alex Cross series and I am always drawn back to it. The reason why is because when Patterson writes books like this one, I can't wait for the next one to come out.

This book has a lot going on. There are all different kinds of killings going on and Alex Cross is right there in the middle of it all. He is going in different directions and has been considering adopting Ava into his family. Ava has not adjust well after being with Alex and Bree and Nana Momma, but the Cross family is hoping that will change if they just show her some love.

The different plots in this book make for interesting reading and as always you love to hate the characters. I thought that Ron Judice story was so well played and the shocks that came toward the end of the book were fantastic. I'm hoping the next book will play off of this book. I love Sampson and was glad he had some great moments in this book. The Plastic Surgeon and Bergman also had a very interesting storyline with some twists that were unexpected.

DonnajoI'm getting further and further behind on reading his books. that I guess is what happens when you seem to read his books so much in one year that youI'm getting further and further behind on reading his books. that I guess is what happens when you seem to read his books so much in one year that you just get tired of them. I guess I have to figure out what book I read last in his cross series and take it from there. I know I have them it's just a matter of reading them....more
Mar 22, 2013 08:04AM

So I heard this book was in NY #1 best seller list, and I thought to myself... well, why not? It's the 2nd installment of alex cross' series that I read and it's not like the first one is horrible.... (i read alex cross trial a few months ago, and although it is remotely about alex cross himself, i quite liked it)

Alex cross is a legendary detective and psychologist himself, was trapped between a case of Elijah Creem, a madhead plastic surgeon and a hotshot exposure battle between him and a blogSo I heard this book was in NY #1 best seller list, and I thought to myself... well, why not? It's the 2nd installment of alex cross' series that I read and it's not like the first one is horrible.... (i read alex cross trial a few months ago, and although it is remotely about alex cross himself, i quite liked it)

Alex cross is a legendary detective and psychologist himself, was trapped between a case of Elijah Creem, a madhead plastic surgeon and a hotshot exposure battle between him and a blogger who apparently has some kind of grudge against him. the book is apparently a continuation from the book which as we know it the Crosses was trying to adopt Ava Williams from the previous installment I guess. The story takes horrifying turn when Alex realizes there's more than just a case in front of him, but also he unveiled some psycho-ass secret deeply hidden....ok lah i'm exaggerating, this story ends with an anticlimax which was predictable because the story starts strong but as the time goes the story started to regressed and it kind of dissapoint me with how James Patterson tries to end things simply by.... ending things. no detail, no epilogue, no feelings at all....more

When bodies start mounting in D.C., Alex Cross sees a link that can only mean one thing, a serial killer. On closer examination, Cross realizes that there are at least two killers, maybe more. On top of all of this, it seems that children of murder victims have also disappeared. In the midst of a hastening murder spree, Cross is confronted by a blogger who seems to have taken an interest in more than Alex’s professional life.

While this blogger virtually attacks Cross, setting him up as a ‘dirtyWhen bodies start mounting in D.C., Alex Cross sees a link that can only mean one thing, a serial killer. On closer examination, Cross realizes that there are at least two killers, maybe more. On top of all of this, it seems that children of murder victims have also disappeared. In the midst of a hastening murder spree, Cross is confronted by a blogger who seems to have taken an interest in more than Alex’s professional life.

While this blogger virtually attacks Cross, setting him up as a ‘dirty cop’ and new bodies continue to surface; the Cross’ new ward, Ava slips back into the drug usage from her days on the street.

In the midst of the confusion and frustration, the blogger extraordinaire sets Cross up, injecting him with drugs while slipping the excess in Alex’s pocket, but no before Alex publicly lands a few good punches.

After having been stripped of his badge in the midst of a complex case, having an order of protection placed against him, while knowing, but being unable to prove he has been set-up; Cross wonders if anything else could go wrong; only to learn that his foster daughter, Ava, is being pulled from his custody and placed into a group home.

With all of these twists and turns, will anything ever work out for Alex Cross again? Guess you’ll have to read the book to find out.

By now, I've pretty much come to expect books by the prolific Patterson to be trite and superficial, but since this one is a solo effort - no co-authors with whom to bounce chapters back and forth - I thought perhaps it might be better. Happily, it is, although those descriptors (and the fact that most of the book is for the most part predictable) still apply, but to a lesser degree.

The impediment I had trouble shrinking from, however, was the vision of Tyler Perry, who landed the role of main cBy now, I've pretty much come to expect books by the prolific Patterson to be trite and superficial, but since this one is a solo effort - no co-authors with whom to bounce chapters back and forth - I thought perhaps it might be better. Happily, it is, although those descriptors (and the fact that most of the book is for the most part predictable) still apply, but to a lesser degree.

The impediment I had trouble shrinking from, however, was the vision of Tyler Perry, who landed the role of main character and psychologist Alex Cross in the first motion picture (Alex Cross, 2012) of what I suppose is meant to be a series. It's not that Perry isn't a very talented actor - in fact, I have a great deal of respect for his talent. But Alex Cross he ain't, in my humble opinion; trouble is, now that he's been cast in my mind's eye, I was more than halfway through this book before I no longer "saw" his face whenever the detective was mentioned. And it wasn't a pretty picture.

The story, though, is pretty solid as Cross deals with two seemingly unrelated subplots involving a well-known but gone-wrong plastic surgeon and a serial killer who's lashing out at beautiful blondes (and maybe a third if you count the trials and tribulations of Cross, his wife Bree, and elderly but cantankerous Nana Mama as they deal with a wayward teenage orphan they've taken in and plan to adopt. Meantime, as Cross is intent on tracking down who did what, it appears someone else is trying to track down Cross himself - at the very least discrediting him in the eyes of the police department and public.

For most of the first half, I read as fast as I can just to get the whole thing over with. But somewhere around the middle, things started to get interesting, and I kept reading fast because I wanted to see how it turned out (or more to the point, find out if I'd guessed how it all would go down). Except for one not-so-minor detail, my hunches were spot on - but that didn't stop it from being an enjoyable read overall....more

I used to love James Patterson and his early fantastic outings..Alone came a spider..Cat and Moust...Roses are Red..etc and their were some great villains, the demented Gary Soneji comes to mind. But like many authors the churning out of formulaic reads means that soon the magic will disappear and we are left with a poor imitation of what was once great. Here we have books for the masses, books for those who don't really read and a story with little substance or value. The plotline is not even wI used to love James Patterson and his early fantastic outings..Alone came a spider..Cat and Moust...Roses are Red..etc and their were some great villains, the demented Gary Soneji comes to mind. But like many authors the churning out of formulaic reads means that soon the magic will disappear and we are left with a poor imitation of what was once great. Here we have books for the masses, books for those who don't really read and a story with little substance or value. The plotline is not even worth mentioning and the two stars is because I have a fondness for Alex Cross :)...more

A great way to make the time pass by. I listened to the audiobook and the pacing and story-line were pretty darn good. I was expecting Cross to be dragging his heels doing no real police work, but he was actually keeping pace this time.

A pair of thrill-seeking killers are on the loose: one stabbing long legged blonde women to death and the other shooting and mutilating male prostitutes. A third killer is publicly humiliating Alex in his role as a blogger and stalking his family for his incidental role in the death of his girlfriend years ago. While his family, including his foster daughter Ava, play a larger role in this novel, both his cop wife Bree and cop best friend John Sampson seem to have become bit players in PattersonA pair of thrill-seeking killers are on the loose: one stabbing long legged blonde women to death and the other shooting and mutilating male prostitutes. A third killer is publicly humiliating Alex in his role as a blogger and stalking his family for his incidental role in the death of his girlfriend years ago. While his family, including his foster daughter Ava, play a larger role in this novel, both his cop wife Bree and cop best friend John Sampson seem to have become bit players in Patterson's recent templates, which is a shame. Alex is actually suspended for his seemingly unjustified attack on the blogger, but solves the mystery from the sideline....more

I don't think Patterson is ever going to run out of creative ways to put Alex Cross in the most dangerous of circumstances. He's got his plate full in this story. People, of course, are getting murder left and right and then there's a weirdo trying to undo Alex's reputation. Nana, I love. She's always keeping the family on the right track and making sure the family is served the best good. How about a Cross Family Cookbook, Mr. Patterson? These stories whiz by in a minute. Another great crime stI don't think Patterson is ever going to run out of creative ways to put Alex Cross in the most dangerous of circumstances. He's got his plate full in this story. People, of course, are getting murder left and right and then there's a weirdo trying to undo Alex's reputation. Nana, I love. She's always keeping the family on the right track and making sure the family is served the best good. How about a Cross Family Cookbook, Mr. Patterson? These stories whiz by in a minute. Another great crime story in the series....more

WEll, this is the latest of the Alex Cross series, and if I had to give Alex any advice it would to do exactly what the title suggests, RUN! I have been a little disappointed in the past couple of books in this series, so was happy to see that a very select group of fruit cakes on Capitol Hill were called forth to give Cross trouble, big time. I have decided to give this a 3.8 mainly because I felt it was more like the earlier Alex Cross books. This is a quick read...although a little creepy.

A typically easy-to-read James Patterson Alex Cross thriller. However there is nothing new here. Perhaps James Patterson has run out of ideas with this series, as he needed three almost unrelated plotlines to sustain this, the 20th book in the Alex Cross series. Firstly we have the life and times of the Cross family's on-again, off-again foster child Ava. Throw in the usual serial thrill kills conducted by a couple of nutbags (who are a few Patterson novels short of a co-writer), and polish it oA typically easy-to-read James Patterson Alex Cross thriller. However there is nothing new here. Perhaps James Patterson has run out of ideas with this series, as he needed three almost unrelated plotlines to sustain this, the 20th book in the Alex Cross series. Firstly we have the life and times of the Cross family's on-again, off-again foster child Ava. Throw in the usual serial thrill kills conducted by a couple of nutbags (who are a few Patterson novels short of a co-writer), and polish it off with the completely unrelated story of an Alex Cross hater who has a penchant for fathering children and offing the mothers. I am sure this novel will appeal to a first time Patterson reader. Yes, it is easy-to-read and the plot is mildly engaging, however to a more seasoned Patterson devotee, the outcomes are becoming predictable, almost routine. They say familiarity breeds contempt - and it is probably time for me to move on.

This is by far one of the better stories in this series. It focuses on Alex who has featured in countless of novels and puts him in the heat of the action once more trying to solve three hot puzzles of a crime at once. This novel is quite captivating and once I opened it, I was immediately hooked and I simply let myself go along with the adventure to see what would come of it. It has been a long time since I was so captivated in an Alex Cross escapade. I am notBook # 20 in the Alex Cross series

This is by far one of the better stories in this series. It focuses on Alex who has featured in countless of novels and puts him in the heat of the action once more trying to solve three hot puzzles of a crime at once. This novel is quite captivating and once I opened it, I was immediately hooked and I simply let myself go along with the adventure to see what would come of it. It has been a long time since I was so captivated in an Alex Cross escapade. I am not surprised this one had a spot on the bestsellers list for many weeks. Anyways it gets high marks from me:).

Mr. Patterson shines in managing the many suspenseful moments and expertly switches perspectives again and again, from stalker to killer to Cross. He writes in his usual way, the first person style when Cross is narrating and in the third with his other characters. The plot is written with precision and is neatly wrapped up, definitely attributes of a master storyteller. Mr. Patterson trademark is front and center: short chapters, a nice balance between Cross’s personal and professional lives, intriguing crimes for the protagonist to solve and complex subplots that do not necessary end well. Well rounded characterization and a jaw-dropper of a conclusion leaving the door open for a subsequent installment. I really can say Mr. Patterson’s pen was in tip top shape……

In a nut shell the mystery in this installment is this:

Cross is tasked with investigating two very different sets of serial killings that are taking place in the Washington area.

At the same time, he is targeted by a stalker, an anonymous blogger who seems to have a grudge against the D.C. Police Department in general and Cross in particular, his main goal is to ruin Cross’s life.

Meanwhile, there is a problem at Cross’s home involving his foster child, Ava.

In conclusion, this novel is an electrifying read that held me captive from start to finish....more

This was the first time I had read a James Patterson novel, and to be frank, it was only because I had nothing else to read at the time. I was away for the weekend and picked it up from a convenience-store bookstand in the hotel I was staying at; it seemed to be the most interesting of a very limited selection of paperbacks. Anyway, it ended up being a an entertaining read which served the purpose I had in mind.

It's a crime story where the main character - Alex Cross: a detective in WashingtonThis was the first time I had read a James Patterson novel, and to be frank, it was only because I had nothing else to read at the time. I was away for the weekend and picked it up from a convenience-store bookstand in the hotel I was staying at; it seemed to be the most interesting of a very limited selection of paperbacks. Anyway, it ended up being a an entertaining read which served the purpose I had in mind.

It's a crime story where the main character - Alex Cross: a detective in Washington D.C. - is trying to solve a couple of different serial murder cases, while at the same time dealing with some challenging family issues - namely attempting to parent a foster child, (a recent addition to the family) who’s had a pretty hard life as a street kid. The stories become intertwined and he finds himself the target of a psychopath determined to make his life miserable due to incidents that occurred on a previous case that he was involved with.

It’s a fast-moving, energetic crime thriller, which never relents, keeping you on your toes throughout. I don’t often read books like this but I’m glad I did; it was enjoyable, entertaining and suspenseful. I'm not sure that I see myself reading more of his stuff in the future, but would definitely recommend it to people that enjoy a good crime thriller....more

*Audiobook*: This is maybe my second Alex Cross read ever. Some of Patterson stand-alone books I’ve read in the past were good, some barely ok. Actually I was never really tempted to read the Alex Cross books, now I know why. This one didn’t impress either. I picked this up via Audible.com for a bargain and, in all honesty, here again I have to object to the many vile gratuitous acts of violence, and slimy minds of psychos. Three murderers are on the loose in this book, and that was a bit too mu*Audiobook*: This is maybe my second Alex Cross read ever. Some of Patterson stand-alone books I’ve read in the past were good, some barely ok. Actually I was never really tempted to read the Alex Cross books, now I know why. This one didn’t impress either. I picked this up via Audible.com for a bargain and, in all honesty, here again I have to object to the many vile gratuitous acts of violence, and slimy minds of psychos. Three murderers are on the loose in this book, and that was a bit too much for me.Admittedly, I did feel empathy for Alex Cross and his family about their circumstances, but the whole narrative lacks just that little thing to make them more compelling and authentic.The entire writing felt it missed that little spark of humanity, of authenticity.This is a reminder to myself I shouldn’t be reading any other books in this series. As for the author, hmm... I’ll wait and see.

Publisher’s Summary: Detective Alex Cross arrests renowned plastic surgeon Elijah Creem for sleeping with teenage girls. Now, his life ruined, Creem is out of jail, and he's made sure that no one will recognize him - by giving himself a new face. A young woman is found hanging from a sixth-floor window, and Alex is called to the scene. The victim recently gave birth, but the baby is nowhere to be found. Before Alex can begin searching for the missing newborn and the killer, he's called to investigate a second crime. All of Washington, DC, is in a panic, and when a third body is discovered, rumours of three serial killers send the city into an all-out frenzy. Alex's investigations are going nowhere, and he's too focused on the cases to notice that someone has been watching him - and will stop at nothing until he's dead. With white-hot speed, relentless drama, and hairpin turns, Alex Cross Run is James Patterson's ultimate thrill ride....more

It is such a joy to read a Patterson book that is his alone; that is to say, no co-author. I understand that he wants to churn out a large number of books a year, and that he does review these manuscripts and put some of his own touches on them, but it's never quite the quality of writing that we get from Patterson alone, and the Alex Cross series is my absolute favorite of Patterson's solo writings.

In this book, Alex Cross is confronted with three separate killers. Two of them are serial killerIt is such a joy to read a Patterson book that is his alone; that is to say, no co-author. I understand that he wants to churn out a large number of books a year, and that he does review these manuscripts and put some of his own touches on them, but it's never quite the quality of writing that we get from Patterson alone, and the Alex Cross series is my absolute favorite of Patterson's solo writings.

In this book, Alex Cross is confronted with three separate killers. Two of them are serial killers who work together and have a sort of contest between them as to the number of murders they commit. They also get a perverse thrill out of listening to or witnessing each others' killings. The third killer is someone that has a longstanding grudge against Alex Cross, specifically, but does not limit his vengeance to Cross.

As usual, Patterson mixes in equal parts dealing with Alex Cross's family and their issues and interactions, which is what makes this series a stand-out for me. I loved every page of this!...more

In the 15 years since Morgan Freeman starred in the first Alex Cross movie, Kiss the Girls, I've enjoyed quite a few James Patterson thrillers in films, books, and audiobooks. He knows how to keep you on the edge of your seat, whatever the medium. Alex Cross, Run, the 20th tale in the series, is no exception.

When I'm doing a lot of driving, I often choose Patterson audiobooks - they make the miles fly, but once I started this one, I kept the earbuds plugged in while fixing breakfast, walking theIn the 15 years since Morgan Freeman starred in the first Alex Cross movie, Kiss the Girls, I've enjoyed quite a few James Patterson thrillers in films, books, and audiobooks. He knows how to keep you on the edge of your seat, whatever the medium. Alex Cross, Run, the 20th tale in the series, is no exception.

When I'm doing a lot of driving, I often choose Patterson audiobooks - they make the miles fly, but once I started this one, I kept the earbuds plugged in while fixing breakfast, walking the dogs, and even late at night. It wasn't exactly pleasure that kept me listening. It often felt like drinking coffee when nervous.

There's an amped up quality to Alex Cross, Run that couldn't quite hide a formulaic quality, even though Patterson created much of the formula. Throw in enough serial killers - Alex Cross Run had three - and an author like Patterson will create plenty of tension, but I often felt manipulated. Every book tries to manipulate an audience; successful ones do it with subtlety. Here, elements like bad guy motives and family interludes felt somewhat perfunctory, like I might do if I started with a list of plot points and checked them off one by one.

Alex Cross, Run is not a bad book by any means. I'd give it three and a half stars out of five. It's a thriller by any measure, but it adds nothing new to the series or the genre.

Perhaps it simply felt rushed compared to books I've read in Patterson's other signature series, the "Women's Murder Club." I find Lindsay Boxer a more rounded character, with a richer circle of friends and environment than Alex Cross.

Any reader who likes thrillers and any writer who wants to learn about tension will be rewarded by reading James Patterson, but Alex Cross, Run is not where I would advise them to start....more

This book was ok at best. I was disappointed with this book especially after "Merry Christmas Alex Cross" (Sold fall of 2012) I thought this book would make up for the shallow plotline in the last book but that is not the case. If I had a choice between one seriously intelligent serial killer or three very amature and egotistical killers, I'll take the a single villian everytime. I was amazed at the simplicity of the plot. The bad guys were so two dimensional I couldn't help asking why the greatThis book was ok at best. I was disappointed with this book especially after "Merry Christmas Alex Cross" (Sold fall of 2012) I thought this book would make up for the shallow plotline in the last book but that is not the case. If I had a choice between one seriously intelligent serial killer or three very amature and egotistical killers, I'll take the a single villian everytime. I was amazed at the simplicity of the plot. The bad guys were so two dimensional I couldn't help asking why the great Alex Cross was even assigned to the task. It was a job for a first year detective not an over worked veteran.I won'e spoil the story in this review but it is clear very little detective work was performed here. The cases were litterally handed to Cross. If you enjoyed the movie "Alex Cross" you'll enjoy the made for film story "Alex Cross, Run". Check your brain at the ticket booth and grab a box of popcorn. I think Patterson needs to back off the mass production of books and provides his fans with a good story. I'll wait a year for quality Patterson. ...more

Top plastic surgeon Elijah Creem is renowned for his skills in the operating room, and for his wild, no-expense-spared "industry parties," bringing in underage exotic dancers and models for nights of drugs, champagne, and uninhibited sex. That is, until Detective Alex Cross busts one of Creem's lavish soirees and ruins his fun. Now Creem is willing to do anything to avoid going to jail.

DON'T THINK, ALEX CROSS

But Alex doesn't have time to dwell on that case. A beautiful

DON'T LOOK, ALEX CROSS

Top plastic surgeon Elijah Creem is renowned for his skills in the operating room, and for his wild, no-expense-spared "industry parties," bringing in underage exotic dancers and models for nights of drugs, champagne, and uninhibited sex. That is, until Detective Alex Cross busts one of Creem's lavish soirees and ruins his fun. Now Creem is willing to do anything to avoid going to jail.

DON'T THINK, ALEX CROSS

But Alex doesn't have time to dwell on that case. A beautiful woman has been found murdered in her car, a lock of her hair viciously ripped off. Then a second woman is found hanging from a sixth-floor window with a brutal scar slashed across her stomach. When a third mutilated body is discovered, rumors of three serial killers on the loose send Washington D.C. into an all-out frenzy.

JUST RUN

Alex is under so much pressure to solve these three grim cases that he hasn't noticed that someone else investigating him-someone so obsessed and so twisted that they'll do anything-ANYTHING- to get the vengeance they require.

This book starts out with Alex Cross raiding a wild party with underage drinking, drugs, and sex happening at a well renowned plastic surgeon, Elijah Creem, whom offers him a bribe to look the other way, and will do anything to avoid the scandal and possibly going to jail.

Meanwhile, young, blond women and gay males keep being found dead with numerous stab wounds on their bodies, and being dumped into rivers. Alex and wife Bree have taken a new girl Ava into their home and are doing their best toThis book starts out with Alex Cross raiding a wild party with underage drinking, drugs, and sex happening at a well renowned plastic surgeon, Elijah Creem, whom offers him a bribe to look the other way, and will do anything to avoid the scandal and possibly going to jail.

Meanwhile, young, blond women and gay males keep being found dead with numerous stab wounds on their bodies, and being dumped into rivers. Alex and wife Bree have taken a new girl Ava into their home and are doing their best to provide her with love and guidance, in hopes of overcoming her past experiences.

The murders continue and Alex finds himself being so involved in the murders, it is nearly impossible for him to spend much time at home with his family, and being heckled by a guy following him around and putting blogs up on the internet with derogatory remarks about Alex and how inept he is at catching the murderer(s). He continues to go after Alex at every opportunity, and it takes time for Alex to realize he knows him from a past case. The guy finally ends up injecting Alex w/drugs at one of the murder scenes, but between parked cars where nobody else could see what was happening. Alex reacts by breaking the guy's nose and knocking him down, only to have the guy charge him with police brutality. Somehow he was able to slip drugs into Alex's pocket, which were the same drugs he had injected Alex with. Alex ends up on suspension from duty right when the Washington DC police dpt is stretched the thinnest in their attempt to learn whom is committing the murders.

This book keeps a person's interest high from beginning to end. Fabulous!...more

AlexOooo, this latest book sounds really good. I will have to check it out. The library shows it will be a minimum of a 9-day wait, and I've placed my 'hoOooo, this latest book sounds really good. I will have to check it out. The library shows it will be a minimum of a 9-day wait, and I've placed my 'hold'. :)...more
Apr 13, 2013 08:44AM

Alex Cross, Run is the 20th book in the popular Alex Cross series by American author, James Patterson. This instalment starts with two brutal murders that soon turn to three. Cross is overseeing the cases, but also plagued by a vindictive journalist whose blog targets MPD and Cross in particular, as well as trouble brewing at home with their foster child, Ava. Several murders later, some of them obviously staged, it is apparent that MPD has three serial killers on their hands: one with a penchanAlex Cross, Run is the 20th book in the popular Alex Cross series by American author, James Patterson. This instalment starts with two brutal murders that soon turn to three. Cross is overseeing the cases, but also plagued by a vindictive journalist whose blog targets MPD and Cross in particular, as well as trouble brewing at home with their foster child, Ava. Several murders later, some of them obviously staged, it is apparent that MPD has three serial killers on their hands: one with a penchant for beautiful blondes whom he dispatches with precise slashes before cutting off their hair; one whose taste is for young gay men whom he shoots and then repeatedly stabs around the genitals; and one who strangles a young mother and kidnaps her new baby. As the journalist escalates his campaign with provocative posts on his blog and taunts at crime scenes, Cross lashes out, to his own detriment, and that of his department’s investigations. There is plenty of action in this page-turner: victims are shot, stabbed, hanged and drugged. Patterson uses this novel to comment on the Washington DC school system, group homes and the effect of blogs, freedom of speech and mobile phone cameras on police investigations. Patterson seems to have put a decent effort into this book: it has a dramatic climax (or two), the plot isn’t too fantastic and it doesn’t have the “phoned-in” feel of some of his recent books, especially those he delegates to co-writers. The next book, Cross My Heart, will still attract fans. ...more

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.Better then the last, and an enjoyable, quick paced read. I couldn't put it down.... But I find myself thinking this series is really starting to run its course.

First of all, I understand drama needs to occur in a series to keep it interesting and compelling, which means problems for the hero - in this case Alex. But seriously? This man has been through so much, and keeps on going. The violent loss of multiple people close to him and the intense pressures of his jobs both working with DC policeBetter then the last, and an enjoyable, quick paced read. I couldn't put it down.... But I find myself thinking this series is really starting to run its course.

First of all, I understand drama needs to occur in a series to keep it interesting and compelling, which means problems for the hero - in this case Alex. But seriously? This man has been through so much, and keeps on going. The violent loss of multiple people close to him and the intense pressures of his jobs both working with DC police and his FBI assistance haven't got to him yet?

I think Patterson seems to forget he is a man... Not a super hero. I get you have to move on from the bad and push through - focus on the good, etc and he does with his family. But I think any human with that much trauma in their life, would break in some way. Quit their job, move, change their life in some way.

The murder of Ava seemed senseless to me. Just another way to deal a blow to Alex... So much time was spent bringing her into the family and trying to make her feel included, and then she's gone in this awful fashion leaving loose ends and questions. What was the point? To hurt Alex more? I don't think it was needed - the book was action and drama packed enough with the multiple murders --- so killing Ava seemed like overkill to me. Unless as evidenced by Alex's conversation with his therapist it does cause him to start to unravel - and start to break.

I don't know, but I find myself unsure about this series and its long term potential. I don't doubt Patterson will keep writing it, but will it continue to be enjoyable and popular?...more

Kill Alex Cross was "Patterson at the top of his game" (Washington Post). Alex Cross, Run is even better.

DON'T LOOK, ALEX CROSS

Top plastic surgeon Elijah Creem is renowned for his skills in the operating room, and for his wild, no-expense-spared "industry parties," bringing in underage exotic dancers and models for nights of drugs, champagne, and uninhibited sex. That is, until Detective Alex Cross busts one of Creem's lavish soirees and ruins his fun. Now Creem is willing to do anything to avoiKill Alex Cross was "Patterson at the top of his game" (Washington Post). Alex Cross, Run is even better.

DON'T LOOK, ALEX CROSS

Top plastic surgeon Elijah Creem is renowned for his skills in the operating room, and for his wild, no-expense-spared "industry parties," bringing in underage exotic dancers and models for nights of drugs, champagne, and uninhibited sex. That is, until Detective Alex Cross busts one of Creem's lavish soirees and ruins his fun. Now Creem is willing to do anything to avoid going to jail.

DON'T THINK, ALEX CROSS

But Alex doesn't have time to dwell on that case. A beautiful woman has been found murdered in her car, a lock of her hair viciously ripped off. Then a second woman is found hanging from a sixth-floor window with a brutal scar slashed across her stomach. When a third mutilated body is discovered, rumors of three serial killers on the loose send Washington D.C. into an all-out frenzy.

JUST RUN

Alex is under so much pressure to solve these three grim cases that he hasn't noticed that someone else investigating him-someone so obsessed and so twisted that they'll do anything-ANYTHING- to get the vengeance they require. Alex Cross, Run is James Patterson's most unrelenting story yet-a white-hot, sensational thrill ride with the most extreme and gripping characters Patterson has ever brought to life.

My thoughts: I love James Patterson's Alex Cross series and this was another excellent installment in the series. A number of fast-paced plots playing off one another throughout the entire book. Not to mention the fact that as Alex Cross attempts to solve these cases, there just may be someone tracking him! As with the other books in this series, I was able to fly through this great book in less than a day of reading - who doesn't love this!

I thought this was a fast-paced, exciting quick read!

If you haven't ever read the Alex Cross series, do yourself a favor and pick them up! You will not regret it.

The subject of a Time magazine feature called, "The Man Who Can't Miss," James Patterson is the bestselling author of the past year, bar none, with more than 16 million books sold in North America alone. In 2007, one of every fifteen hardcover fiction books sold was a Patterson title. In the past three years, James has sold more books than any other author (according to Bookscan), and in total, James's books have sold an estimated 220 million copies worldwide. He is the first author to have #1 new titles simultaneously on The New York Times adult and children's lists and is the only author to have five new hardcover novels debut at #1 on the list in one year—a record-breaking feat he's accomplished every year since 2005. To date, James Patterson has had nineteen consecutive #1 New York Times bestselling novels, and holds the New York Times record for most Hardcover Fiction bestselling titles by a single author (63 total), which is also a Guinness World Record.

From his James Patterson Pageturner Awards (which rewarded groups and individuals for creative and effective ways to spread the joy of reading) to his website ReadKiddoRead.com (which helps adults find books that kids are sure to love) to his regular donations of thousands of books to troops overseas, Patterson is a lifelong champion of books and reading. His first foray into books for all ages was the critically acclaimed Maximum Ride series, which debuted on the New York Times bestsellers list at #1 and remained there for twelve straight weeks. The series has so far made appearances on The New York Times bestsellers lists ninety-four cumulative times, proving that kids of all ages love page turners. He captured the attention of boy readers with the Daniel X series, and his third series for readers of all ages debuted in December 2009 with Witch & Wizard, which spent five consecutive weeks atop the New York Times bestsellers list.

Patterson is the creator of the #1 new detective series of the past dozen years, featuring Alex Cross and including the Hollywood-adapted "Along Came a Spider" and "Kiss the Girls," starring Academy Award-winning actor Morgan Freeman. He is also the creator of the #1 new detective series of the past five years, featuring Lindsay Boxer and the other members of the Women's Murder Club, from which the ABC television drama series was adapted. He has authored books behind six films on the Hollywood fast-track, including the upcoming Maximum Ride movie forthcoming from Avi Arad, the producer of X-Men and Spiderman.

He is the author of novels—from The Thomas Berryman Number (1976) to Honeymoon (2005)—that have won awards including the Edgar, the BCA Mystery Guild's Thriller of the Year, the International Thriller of the Year award, and the Reader's Digest Reader's Choice Award. And, he has won a Children's Choice Book Council's Children's Choice Awards "Author of the Year" award (2010).

One of Forbes magazine's Celebrity 100, James made a guest appearance on the popular FOX TV show "The Simpsons" in March, 2007....more